Between Virtue and Authority: Aristotelian Ethics and Political Leadership

"Between Virtue and Authority: Aristotelian Ethics and Political Leadership" by Jeremy Riley explores the intricate relationship between Aristotle's philosophy of virtue ethics and his views on political leadership. The book delves into how Aristotle's ethical concepts of virtue, practical wisdom, and justice inform the nature of effective and just leadership in both personal and political realms. Drawing from the Nicomachean Ethics and Politics, Riley examines Aristotle's assertion that the ultimate goal of both individual life and the state is to achieve eudaimonia (human flourishing) through the cultivation of virtue.
This work analyzes the role of the ruler, the importance of balanced leadership, and the relationship between ethical governance and political authority. Riley offers a critical look at how Aristotelian principles can help modern leaders navigate the challenges of power, governance, and justice, while emphasizing that true leadership is based on moral integrity rather than personal ambition. By placing Aristotle's ideas in dialogue with contemporary political theory, the book provides a thought-provoking examination of leadership that remains relevant to today's political climate, arguing that the best political leaders must embody virtue, possess practical wisdom, and always strive to serve the common good.